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Bringing Healesville Sanctuary to the children at Monash Children’s Hospital

22 October 2013

They say you should never work with children and animals, but Monash Children’s Hospital and Healesville Sanctuary is teaming up to break that rule.

As part of National Children’s Week, Monash Children’s Hospital will hosting prickly and furry friends from Healesville Sanctuary – cute, cuddly and slippery native wildlife sure to bring smiles and laughter to the wards.

“There’s been a baby boom at Healesville Sanctuary this spring with lots of animal newborns and toddlers on display and so we’re bringing them in to say hello,” said Mr Glen Holland, Director of Healesville Sanctuary.

“This is the third year we’ve brought in the animals into visit the sick kids. At the same time, they can learn more about the critical role Healesville Sanctuary plays in fighting extinction to save many of Australia’s most threatened species. We’re thrilled to be making the trip again.”

National Children’s Week events are held around the country to demonstrate the talents and abilities of children, as well as to celebrate their right to enjoy childhood.

Professor Nick Freezer, Director of Monash Children’s Hospital, said the Sanctuary’s visit has been eagerly anticipated.

“Kids deserve a distraction from the reason they’re in hospital,” Professor Freezer said. “The children all know that tomorrow (Wednesday 23 October) is the day the animals come to visit, and they’re all incredibly excited.”